Controls Engineer Jobs in California
Controls Engineer jobs in California are among the most active in the country, concentrated in semiconductor manufacturing, aerospace and defense, food and beverage processing, and industrial automation across a seniority range from entry-level technician-track roles through senior systems architects. The largest hiring metros are the San Francisco Bay Area, Los Angeles, and San Diego, where companies like Northrop Grumman, Applied Materials, and Tesla maintain significant engineering operations. The most in-demand specialties in California right now are PLC programming, motion control systems, and process automation for advanced manufacturing. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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At E Tech Group, joining our team means joining a group of passionate and forward-thinking experts. We're one of the largest engineering and system integration firms in the United States providing value for our clients through IT automation and control solutions for more than 30 years to the Life Sciences, Mission Critical, Metals & Mining, Warehousing & Distribution, and CPG/Food & Beverage industries. Our national and global scale allows us to help our clients develop and implement standardized solutions at any of their facilities regardless of physical location or the local resources available at that site.
We are seeking a Lead Controls Engineer to provide technical leadership and execution for Mission Critical data center automation projects. This role is responsible for the design, development, testing, commissioning, and technical oversight of industrial automation solutions while mentoring engineering team members and supporting successful project delivery. The ideal candidate combines strong technical expertise with leadership, collaboration, and problem-solving skills to deliver high-quality solutions in fast-paced, mission-critical environments.
You will:
- Lead and execute automation projects through all phases including design, development, testing, and commissioning.
- Serve as a technical leader on projects by coordinating engineering activities, providing technical direction, and ensuring high-quality project execution.
- Apply engineering knowledge and independent judgment to solve complex automation and controls challenges.
- Lead technical scope development and collaborate closely with project managers, project discipline leads, clients, and vendors.
- Perform technical reviews and quality assurance checks on project deliverables.
- Support startup, commissioning, and troubleshooting activities both remotely and at customer sites.
- Mentor and develop engineers by providing technical guidance, design reviews, coaching, and knowledge sharing.
- Prioritize, coordinate, and delegate technical tasks to project team members while maintaining project schedules and deliverables.
- Work independently while managing multiple projects, priorities, and deadlines simultaneously.
- Adhere to company standards, customer requirements, safety procedures, and quality processes while continuously seeking opportunities for improvement.
- Travel to customer sites to support project execution and commissioning activities.
- Contribute to the continued growth and improvement of E Tech Group's Mission Critical engineering practices
- Be an ambassador who embodies our Core Values, prioritizing the success of E Tech Group, our clients, and the professional development of our associates.
You have:
- Bachelor's degree in engineering or equivalent experience.
- 7+ years of experience in industrial automation, controls engineering, or system integration.
- Proven ability to independently lead technical scope, make sound engineering decisions, and resolve complex automation challenges.
- Experience designing, developing, testing, and commissioning control systems in industrial or mission critical environments.
- Strong understanding of PLC, HMI, SCADA, industrial networking, and systems integration concepts.
- Experience commissioning systems in live operating environments.
- Strong organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to effectively collaborate with customers, project teams, and cross-functional stakeholders.
- Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities while maintaining high-quality technical deliverables.
- A DNA comprised of collaboration and teamwork.
You may:
- Develop and modify engineering deliverables including:
- Lead continuous improvement initiatives by developing engineering standards, reusable tools, templates, and processes that improve project quality and execution efficiency.
- Research and evaluate new technologies to support innovative automation solutions.
- Support business development activities through technical scope development, estimating, solution reviews, predesign efforts, and customer presentations.
- Develop and deliver training programs for customers and internal engineering teams.
Salary: $160k - $180K
Benefits & Perks:
- 401k + match + prompt enrollment. E Tech Group employees are 100% vested upon entry.
- Prompt enrollment into Medical, Dental, and Vision benefits.
- Generous paid time off that includes paid vacation, paid holidays, paid family leave and sick time off.
- Learning and growth are key parts of the E Tech culture. We provide you with training and continuing education from day one, so you can advance your career. As an E Tech associate, you can unlock your greatest potential through challenges and opportunities.
E Tech Group is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Applicants are considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, disability, military status, genetic information, gender identity, sexual orientation, citizenship status, or any other basis prohibited by law. E Tech Group will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and for religious beliefs. E Tech Group is an Affirmative Action Employer of individuals with disabilities and protected veterans.
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See All 264+ Controls Engineer Jobs in California
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Find Controls Engineer JobsControls Engineer Jobs by City in California
Where California roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Controls Engineer Job Market in California
A snapshot from current California openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
- Tesla40

- Northrop Grumman7

- SpaceX5

- Anduril5

- E Tech5

Top Industries Hiring
- Consulting & Professional Services11
- Manufacturing7
- Construction & Real Estate6
- Science & Research5
- Energy4
What California Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in controls engineer jobs across California.
- Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, or controls systems engineering
- Proficiency with PLC platforms such as Allen-Bradley, Siemens, or Mitsubishi in a manufacturing environment
- Experience designing and troubleshooting HMI and SCADA systems for industrial automation
- Familiarity with California safety standards and Cal/OSHA machine guarding and electrical regulations
- Ability to read and develop electrical schematics, P&IDs, and ladder logic documentation
- Professional Engineer license from the California Board for Professional Engineers, Land Surveyors, and Geologists preferred for senior roles
Controls Engineer Jobs in California: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a controls engineer in California?
Most California employers require a bachelor's degree in electrical, mechanical, or systems engineering as the foundation. Senior and project-lead roles frequently prefer or require licensure as a Professional Engineer through the California Board for Professional Engineers, Land Surveyors, and Geologists, which involves passing the Fundamentals of Engineering and Principles and Practice of Engineering exams. Entry-level candidates typically start in technician or automation support roles and build toward licensure over several years of documented experience.
How much do controls engineers make in California?
Controls engineers in California earn a median of about $124,600 a year, based on May 2025 Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data, ranging from around $77,900 for the lowest 10% to over $172,870 for the top 10%. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and employer.
Which companies hire controls engineers in California?
Employers hiring controls engineers in California right now include Tesla, Northrop Grumman, and SpaceX, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of September 2026. California's concentration of semiconductor fabs, aerospace primes, and advanced food and beverage manufacturers means demand is spread across both large defense contractors in Southern California and high-tech manufacturing firms in the Bay Area.
Which California cities have the most controls engineer jobs?
Palo Alto, Fremont, and San Francisco have the most controls engineer openings in California. The Bay Area's dominance reflects its dense cluster of semiconductor and robotics companies, Los Angeles draws heavily from aerospace and defense primes like Northrop Grumman and Raytheon, and San Diego's life sciences and defense sectors generate steady demand for process and systems automation engineers.
Are there remote controls engineer jobs in California?
Yes, but they're rare. Controls engineering is fundamentally a hands-on discipline, and most roles require on-site work to commission, program, and troubleshoot physical equipment. About 33% of controls engineer openings tied to California are remote or hybrid as of September 2026, and those positions tend to concentrate in project management, system architecture review, or software-side automation work that doesn't require direct access to production hardware.
How can I get hired as a controls engineer in California with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is through a technician or automation associate role at a California manufacturer, where you work alongside experienced controls engineers before taking on independent system work. Large Bay Area semiconductor equipment makers and Southern California aerospace firms regularly hire engineering associates and co-op participants from California State University and UC campuses. Earning a Certified Automation Professional credential from the International Society of Automation or building a lab portfolio demonstrating PLC and HMI work gives candidates without direct industry experience a concrete edge in interviews.
Where can I find and apply to controls engineer jobs in California?
You can find and apply to controls engineer jobs in California on Migrate Mate, which lists current California openings updated regularly. Search through the available roles, find the ones that match your experience and location, and apply directly to each one.
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